The Tyranny of Tolerance
The level of freedom we enjoy in the U.S.A. was embedded in our collective attitude from our country’s beginning. So long as they didn’t break the law or infringe on the rights of others, individuals were free to do most anything they wanted. Maverick behavior — what some today call “thinking outside the box” — was more common than not. People might talk or try to prevent you from doing something or get angry… but they could not dictate their beliefs over yours, even if you wanted to do foolish things. Such is the nature of freedom.
We, as a people, have always been tolerant of others. Allowing someone else to do or believe something beyond our own personal approval is not an act of endorsement, it is merely an acknowledgment that others have rights to believe and do what they decide is best for them… so long as it doesn’t cross that boundary into our rights.
Equality, by definition, is a two way street and there is no room for hypocrisy nor contradiction. Simply stated, the principle of equality… or tolerance… is founded on mutual respect. It is the implementation of The Golden Rule (”Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”).
Humans, however, are not perfect and some have a tendency to think more (only) of ourselves and less of others, to place greater importance on what we want with lesser regard for the wants of others, to rationalize our actions in favor of ourselves. We should be wary of these people, for they cannot be satisfied until they get everything THEY want.
The inherent risk of being tolerant is that, while we might act sincerely, others may not. Allowing someone to do something that we do not agree with might be perceived as outright acceptance by the other person. It might also be viewed as weakness, and encourage that person to push the boundaries further. Being “nice” doesn’t always result in others being nice in return, it sometimes leads to others trying to take advantage of you (or actually doing so).
It seems the situation has devolved within our country were tolerance had led to unreasonable expectations by others who have pushed their activities and beliefs to the point where they think they have earned those “rights”. Stated another way: a majority of people may be tolerant of a minority, allowing that group to do something that is not viewed favorably… yet still allowed. Then, that minority comes to see their activity as a right and wants to expand it, sometimes while objecting to the majority doing anything similar.
Here’s a simple example:
For many years, Christian observances were a regular feature in schools… Christmas Holiday, Easter Break, starting an event with a prayer, and so on. Even saying the Pledge of Allegiance (”…under God…”). Given that the majority of American citizens were/are Christians and such beliefs have been widely held since the founding of our country, few thought much of these activities. These practices were fairly routine and there was no attempt to “convert” others who held different religious beliefs.
Then, a very small minority began to object. In many cases, they were catered to merely out of tolerance… it was easier to accommodate them than to fight the issue. Once a concession has been made, though, it becomes a precedent for others and changes seemed to snowball. Today, there are Winter Holidays, and Spring Breaks, and no prayers and little pledging of allegiance. Even a necklace with a cross worn by a teacher has come under fire.
And, now, we see the situation becoming even more imbalanced. There have been cases where Satanic symbols have been judged acceptable… or where Muslim traditions, such as a place to wash before prayers, have to be accommodated in public schools… and so on. In other words, the wishes of a minority has been granted while those of the majority denied.
What happened to MUTUAL respect?
While this is a religious example, there are many others areas of our lives where this type of thing occurs. Being tolerant has resulted in less equality for more people.
I see similar things on a larger scale, too. The United States has provided financial support to many countries, some in dire need of help. In some cases, we have been generous to a fault… as the recipients now see this support as a given and some even demand more. And, if we ask something in return… such as stronger observation of basic human rights or more freedoms for that country’s citizens by their government, our nation is accused of meddling in the affairs of others!
Whether at home or abroad, the pendulum has swung too far and I believe it is time to pull it back toward the middle. Being tolerant, being patient, being more than willing to extend “privileges” to others that we might deny ourselves has not achieved the results that were expected. When a strategy fails to do so, it is the wise person who changes strategy.
The “silent (tolerant) majority” has allowed all this to take place… and the only way to change it is for that majority to become more vocal. It is the duty of all citizens to SPEAK THEIR MINDS so that our representatives hear our voices loudly. We cannot remain passive and expect things to improve on their own.
It is time to eliminate the silence from the majority!
